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THE Transport Ministry (MOT) has highlighted funding and resource limitations in expanding public transport infrastructure, while reaffirming a zero-tolerance approach to lorry overloading that endangers road users and public assets.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke told the Dewan Rakyat on Monday that the ministry is adopting a cross-agency approach involving other ministries, government bodies, and local authorities to strengthen the public transport ecosystem nationwide.
“The public transport ecosystem must be holistic, not only focusing on bus services but also on supporting infrastructure such as bus stops and pedestrian walkways. However, this requires cooperation from all parties.
“The ministry will help where possible, but we face limitations in terms of funding and resources,” he said.
Loke outlined a public-private partnership model under which private companies can fund and maintain bus stops in exchange for advertising rights.
“Not all bus stops need to be built by the government or local councils. We are introducing a programme where private companies can adopt bus stops. This will create a win-win partnership and help strengthen the infrastructure at the ground level,” he said.
The minister also provided updates on the BAS.MY free bus service under the Stage Bus Service Transformation Programme, which benefits 49,611 users, predominantly senior citizens, across cities including Johor Bahru, Kuching, Ipoh, Seremban, and Melaka.
“Some buses must continue to run according to schedule even when ridership is low. If a route is found to be uneconomical or has too few passengers, the Land Public Transport Agency can review and adjust it accordingly,” he said.
In a separate matter, Loke addressed industry complaints over the crackdown on overloaded lorries, rejecting requests to negotiate and stressing enforcement would continue.
“I am quite disappointed with the actions of some industry players. They know [they're in the wrong] all this while, yet they expect the government to negotiate with them.
“I told them, forget about it. Enforcement will continue, and they should comply rather than continue risking public safety,” he said.
He emphasised that while enforcement may increase costs for some companies, “human lives are more important.”
Loke noted the ministry has directed the Road Transport Department to share traffic summons data with the Land Public Transport Agency as an interim measure while a Driver Data System is developed to allow coordinated action against repeat offenders.
“For too long, companies have treated fines as just another cost of doing business.
“This culture must end. Overloading is not only illegal, it endangers lives and damages our roads,” he said. - October 27, 2025
